HunterDouglas Solera Soft Shades Instruction Manual
- June 4, 2024
- HunterDouglas
Table of Contents
HunterDouglas Solera Soft Shades
GETTING STARTED
Product View – EasyRise™ and UltraGlide® Shades
Not available in Canada.
NOTE: Top-Down/Bottom-Up shades not shown
Product View – LiteRise® Shades
Thank you for purchasing Hunter Douglas Solera® Soft Shades. With proper installation, operation, and care, your new shades will provide years of beauty and performance. Please thoroughly review this instruction booklet and the enclosed packing list before beginning the installation
Tools and Fasteners Needed
- Flat blade and Phillips screwdrivers
- Level (laser level is recommended)
- Measuring tape and pencil
- Power drill, 3∕32″ drill bit, and 1∕4″ hex driver
In addition, you will need fasteners designed to work with your specific mounting surface(s).
- 6 Hex Head Screws (Provided). Two 1½” screws are provided per installation bracket.
- Speed Nuts and Screws (Provided). If ordered, extension brackets come with speed nuts and screws.
- Drywall Anchor (Not Provided). Use drywall anchors when mounting into drywall
Installation Overview
Your order will include installation brackets specific to your shade. The
number of installation brackets required varies with headrail width, as shown
in the table below.
Shade Width | Brackets Required |
---|---|
15″ – 36″ | 2 |
361⁄8″ – 60″ | 3 |
601⁄8″ – 72″ | 4 |
721⁄8″ – 96″ | 5 |
961⁄8″ – 135″ | 6 |
Mounting Types and Window Terminology
If the installation brackets are mounted correctly, the rest of the
installation process follows easily. To prepare for this important first step,
review the mounting types and basic window terminology illustrated below.
Refer to the appropriate page below based on your order:
- Inside Mount — page 5
- Outside Mount — page 6
INSTALLATION
Mount the Installation Brackets — Inside Mount
Mark 3″ in from each jamb. If more than two installation brackets came with
your order, space additional bracket(s)evenly between the two end brackets and
mark their location. Mount into wood whenever possible
Centre the brackets on your marks, then mark each of the screw holes.
- For fully recessed mounting, the fabric will be flush with the front of the window casement, when raised. A minimum depth of 21∕2″ is needed to fully recess your shade.
- Minimum mounting depth for bracket attachment is 7⁄8″.
IMPORTANT : The front edges of the installation brackets must be level and aligned
- Drill the screw holes using a 3⁄32″ drill bit.
- Attach the installation brackets using the screws provided.
Check that the mounting surface is level and the brackets are aligned. If mounting to a heavily textured surface, shim the brackets, if needed.
CAUTION : Use drywall anchors when mounting into drywall. Drywall anchors are not provided
Mount the Installation Brackets — Outside Mount
- Centre the headrail over the window opening at the desired height. Use a pencil to lightly mark each end of the headrail.
- Alternatively, measure the width of the headrail and use that width to mark the headrail end points over the window opening.
- Mark 3″ in from each end of the headrail.
- If more than two installation brackets came with your order, space additional bracket(s) evenly between the two end brackets and mark their location. Mount into wood whenever possible
Centre the brackets on your marks and mark the screw holes.
- A minimum of 13∕4″ flat vertical surface is required to mount the brackets.
- The top of the installation brackets should be at the desired shade height.
IMPORTANT : The brackets should be level and aligned.
CAUTION : The rear of the brackets must be flush against a flat mounting surface. Do not mount brackets on curved molding
-
Extension brackets provide up to 11⁄2″ of clearance. If used, centre the brackets on your marks and mark the screw holes.
-
Drill the screw holes using a 3⁄32″ drill bit.
CAUTION : Use drywall anchors when mounting into drywall. Drywall anchors are not provided -
Attach the installation/extension brackets using the screws provided.
CAUTION : The rear of the installation brackets must be flush against a flat mounting surface. Do not mount installation brackets on curved molding -
When using extension brackets, attach the installation brackets using the screws and speed nuts provided.
Install the Shade
- With the headrail slightly tilted, insert the front lip of the headrail onto the front lip of the installation bracket.
- Push the headrail back and up until its bottom lip snaps into bottom tab on the installation bracket.
Attach the Hold-Down Brackets (Optional)
Hold-down brackets may be used with outside mount shades only.
- With the shade fully lowered, insert the pin on the hold‑down bracket into the hole on the bottom rail end cap.
- Mark the hole locations on the mounting surface.
- Position the hold-down brackets over the mounting hole locations and check their alignment. Attach using two screws.
IMPORTANT : Disconnect the bottom rail from the holddown brackets to raise the shade.
Attach the Universal Cord Tensioner — EasyRise™ Only
Before you proceed, you must first slide the cord tensioner to the bottom of
the cord loop.
- Insert a small screwdriver, punch, or awl through the screw hole at the bottom of the cord tensioner.
- Move the screw hole down to the indicator line to release the safety mechanism.
- Slide the cord tensioner down to the bottom of the cord loop.
- Attach the cord tensioner according to the instructions provided with the Universal Cord Tensioner Installation Kit.
WARNING : It is imperative that the cord tensioner be properly secured to the wall or window frame to reduce children’s access to the cord loop. Young children can strangle in cord loops. They can also wrap cords around their necks and strangle.
CAUTION : EasyRise™ shades will not operate properly unless the cordtensioner is secured. A Universal Cord Tensioner Installation Kit has been included with your shade. Follow the instructions in the kit to correctly secure the cord tensioner.
Install the Wand
The wand must be securely attached to the shade for proper operation..
-
Gently screw the threaded end of wand adapter into the hollow end of the wand.
-
Continue to firmly rotate the wand until tight.
CAUTION : If the wand is not properly secured, it will come loose after repeated use. -
Gently release the wand
OPERATION
Operate the Shade
Top-down/bottom-up shades have two cords (except LiteRise® shades). The right
cord operates the middle rail and left cord operates the bottom rail.
IMPORTANT : You must first lower the bottom rail before lowering the middle rail. Likewise, you must raise the middle rail before raising the bottom rail.
To Lower the Shade
Pull down on the back of the continuous cord loop.
To
Raise the Shade
Pull down on the front of the continuous cord loop.
IMPORTANT :
If the cord tensioner moves up the cord, you have not secured it to the wall
or window frame. You must do so for the shade to operate properly. See the
instructions included with your Universal Cord Tensioner Installation Kit.
Cord with tassel not available in Canada.
For smooth operation, keep the cord close to the fabric when lowering and
raising the shade.
To lower : Pull the cord toward the centre of the shade and release
To Lower the Shade
-
Pull the cord toward the center of the shade at about a 45° angle. The locking mechanism at the top of the wand releases with a “click.” The shade lowers as you allow the wand to return to the vertical position.
IMPORTANT : The wand must be pulled in close to the front of the shade. Do not pull the wand out away from the shade. -
To stop the shade while lowering, move the cord back toward the vertical position and give a slight downward pull to engage the locking mechanism.
To Raise the Shade
Pull the cord straight down or slightly toward the outside.
To Raise : Pull the cord straight down with short strokes
To Raise the Shade
Pull the cord straight down or slightly toward the outside.
- With each stroke the shade partially raises.
- Allow the cord to retract after each downward stroke.
- Use multiple strokes until the shade reaches the desired position.
Top-Down/Bottom-Up Shades
Cord with tassel not available in Canada.
To operate Top-Down/Bottom‑Up shades, the right wand operates the middle rail
and the left wand operates the bottom rail (unless reverse controls were
specified on the order).
IMPORTANT : You must first lower the bottom rail before lowering the middle rail. Likewise, you must first raise the middle rail before raising the bottom rail.
UltraGlide® Shades – Wand
Wand available in Canada only
For smooth operation, keep the wand close to the fabric when raising and
lowering the shade
To Lower the Shade
-
Pull the wand toward the center of the shade at about a 45° angle. The locking mechanism at the top of the wand releases with a “click.” The shade lowers as you allow the wand to return to the vertical position.
IMPORTANT : The wand must be pulled in close to the front of the shade. Do not pull the wand out away from the shade. -
To stop the shade while lowering, move the wand back toward the vertical position and give a slight downward pull to engage the locking mechanism.
-
If the shade hits an obstruction as it is lowered it will stop, which may cause the cords in each cord rout to become misaligned. This may cause the shade to be angled or tilted when fully raised. If this occurs, do the following:
-
Raise the shade slightly.
-
Lower the shade completely to the sill. In some cases, pull gently on the bottom rail to get it to drop completely.
IMPORTANT : If the shade is tilted when fully raised, do not pull harder on the wand. It does not correct the tilt and may make it worse.
To Raise the Shade
Pull the wand straight down or slightly toward the outside.
- With each stroke the shade partially raises.
- Allow the wand to retract after each downward stroke.
- Use multiple strokes until the shade reaches the desired position.
To Raise : Pull the wand straight down with short strokes.
LiteRise® Shades
For better support and smoother operation, use the handle when raising and
lowering the shade.
IMPORTANT : You must first lower the bottom rail before lowering the middle rail. Likewise, you must raise the middle rail before raising the bottom rail. Otherwise, the rails may drift
To Raise the Shade
Slowly and steadily push up on the bottom rail handle. Allow the shade to
stack evenly.
To Lower the Shade
Slowly and steadily pull down on the bottom rail handle.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Troubleshooting
If your shade is not operating correctly: Refer to the following
troubleshooting procedures for specific solutions for your shade. If questions
remain, please contact Hunter Douglas Consumer Support at
800-789-0331.
Problem | The shade will not fit into the installation brackets. |
---|---|
Solution | Check that the installation brackets are level and aligned. |
Shim the installation brackets to level the headrail, if necessary. Shims are provided.
Be sure the heads of the screws are flush against the installation bracket.
Check that the headrail is completely inserted into the installation brackets. See “Install the Shade” on page 7 .
Problem| The shade is hard to raise or lower, or will not raise or
lower.
Solution| Make sure that the shade fabric is not caught between the
installation bracket and the headrail.
Check that the headrail and installation brackets are level and aligned.
Shim the installation brackets to level the headrail, if necessary. Shims are provided. If hold-down brackets are used, make sure they have been released before operating the shade.
Problem| The shade raises or lowers unevenly or the bottom rail is
uneven when fully raised.
Solution| Check that the headrail and installation brackets are level
and aligned. Shim the installation brackets to level the headrail, if
necessary. Shims are provided.
Check to see if there is an obstruction in the shade’s path. If a shade hits an obstruction as it is lowered, it may become misaligned. This may cause the shade to be angled or tilted when fully raised. Try lowering the shade completely, then raising it to allow it to self-correct.
Problem| The shade drop is too low or too high or the middle rail on a
Top-Down/ Bottom-Up is too low or uneven.
---|---
Solution| ■ Unsnap the fabric flap on the bottom rail.
■ Each cord can be adjusted. Begin by sliding the cord wedge(s) to release the
cord.
■ Place the bottom rail to the Wedge
desired height.
■ Push cord wedge(s) back Wedge
into place to secure the
cord position.
■ Snap the fabric flap back into place.
Problem| EasyRise™ Shades Only: The universal cord tensioner has climbed
to the headrail.
Solution| Pull down on the spring to relieve tension and pull the
universal cord tensioner to the bottom of the cord loop. Properly mount the
cord tensioner. See “Attach the Universal Cord Tensioner — EasyRise™ Only” on
page 8 and/or the instructions included with your Universal Cord Tensioner
Installation Kit.
Problem| EasyRise Shades Only: The universal cord tensioner grabs onto
the cord upon operation.
Solution| Check that the universal cord tensioner is mounted properly.
Reinstall, if necessary. See “Attach the Universal Cord Tensioner — EasyRise
Only” on page 8 and/or the instructions included with your Universal Cord
Tensioner Installation Kit.
CARE
Removing the Shade (If Necessary)
- Raise the shade completely.
- Support the headrail so that it does not fall. Push up on the headrail and use your finger or a flat blade screwdriver to release the bottom tab on the installation brackets.
- Pull the headrail straight out from the installation brackets
Cleaning Procedures
Hunter Douglas Solera® Soft Shades are made of anti-static, dust-resistant
fabric which repels dirt and dust. For most fabrics, the following cleaning
options are available.
Dusting
Regular light dusting with a feather duster is all the cleaning needed in most
circumstances.
Vacuuming
For deeper cleaning, you may vacuum all fabrics except for Prism. Vacuum
gently with a brush attachment.
Compressed Air/Hair Dryer (Cool Setting)
Use compressed air or a hair-dryer on a cool setting to blow dust and dirt off
shades
Cord Loop Shades
- Attach the cord tensioner on the cord loop to the wall or window casement. See “Attach The Universal Cord Tensioner (UCT)” on page 8. This can prevent children from pulling cord loops around their necks.
- Hunter Douglas provides a cord tensioner installation kit with instructions for attaching the cord tensioner. For the shade to operate properly, the cord tensioner must be correctly mounted and secured.
- Fasteners provided in this kit may not be appropriate for all mounting surfaces. Use appropriate anchors for the mounting surface conditions.
- Only Hunter Douglas supplied cord tensioners and hardware should be used. Replacement parts may be obtained by contacting the Hunter Douglas Consumer Support Center at 800-789-0331.
LIMITED WARRANTY
The Hunter Douglas® Lifetime Guarantee is an expression of our desire to provide a thoroughly satisfying experience when selecting, purchasing and living with your window fashion products. If you are not thoroughly satisfied, simply contact Hunter Douglas at 800-789-0331 or visit hunterdouglas.com. In support of this policy of consumer satisfaction, we offer our Lifetime Limited Warranty as described below
COVERED
BY A LIFETIME LIMITED WARRANTY
- Hunter Douglas window fashion products are covered for defects in materials, workmanship or failure to operate for as long as the original retail purchaser owns the product (unless shorter periods are provided below).
- All internal mechanisms.
- Components and brackets.
- Fabric delamination.
- Operational cords for a full 7 years from the date of purchase.
- Repairs and/or replacements will be made with like or similar parts or products.
- Hunter Douglas motorization components are covered for 5 years from the date of purchase.
NOT COVERED
BY A LIFETIME LIMITED WARRANTY
- Any conditions caused by normal wear and tear.
- Abuse, accidents, misuse or alterations to the product.
- Exposure to the elements (sun damage, wind, water/moisture) and discoloration or fading over time.
- Failure to follow our instructions with respect to measurement, proper installation, cleaning or maintenance.
- Shipping charges, cost of removal and reinstallation.
Hunter Douglas (or its licensed fabricator/distributor) will repair or replace the window fashion product or components found to be defective
TO OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE
- Contact your original dealer (place of purchase) for warranty assistance.
- Visit hunterdouglas.com for additional warranty information, frequently asked questions and access to service locations.
- Contact Hunter Douglas at 800-789-0331 for technical support, certain parts free of charge, for assistance in obtaining warranty service or for further explanation of our warranty
NOTE :
In no event shall Hunter Douglas or its licensed fabricators/distributors be
liable or responsible for incidental or consequential damages or for any other
indirect damage, loss, cost or expense. Some states do not allow the exclusion
or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above exclusion
orlimitation may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal
rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Different warranty periods and terms apply for commercial products and
applications. hunterdouglas.com
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
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